Iowa State University has appointed Sean Reeder as its new senior vice president for operations and finance. This appointment follows the completion of a separation agreement with former vice president Shawn Norman. Reeder previously served as chancellor for the University of Missouri, Kansas City, and has held roles at Eastern Illinois University and Michigan State University. President Wendy Wintersteen expressed confidence in Reeder’s capabilities, stating that he possesses the ideal combination of experience, insight, and achievements to thrive in this role.

Reeder is set to assume his duties on September 3, contingent upon approval from the Iowa Board of Regents. He will replace David Spalding, who has been serving as the interim senior vice president for operations and finance. The operations and finance division at Iowa State University is responsible for various university units, including financial planning and analysis, facilities management, capital planning, the university bookstore, and Reiman Gardens, among others.

In a press release, Reeder remarked that Iowa State University exemplifies the potential of a land-grant research institution and that he is prepared to contribute to the execution of President Wintersteen’s strategic plan. The university has also made significant changes in recent months, including the departure of Norman and the settlement agreements reached with him and the assistant to the senior vice president for operations and finance, who both claimed harassment and retaliation.